The death f Ahab. The transition from Elijah to Elisha
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I was tasked to lead LECC small group on Friday (7/12/24) on this chapter. Because of lack preparation (procrastination), I missed a few important points after the session: Though we must recognize all glory goes to God, we must not diminished humans being praised to a point of an sinful act of the recipient and giver of the praise. 不应该把对人的称赞讲到一文不值。That's why Elisha was in silent towards Naaman. He did not say to Naaman: "I cannot steal God's glory", "You cannot effort God's mercy", etc. Elisha knew that it was enough to not say anything more, for Naaman to recognize all credit goes to the God of Israel, the creator of the very gifts he brought to Israel. So, to teach children on giving glory to God, I think it is wise to not always say to the child: "They praised your As, your violin play, don't forget it is God who gave you this talent", "remember to say praise be to God", etc. But exercise silent prudence in guiding the child to praise his Maker.
Also, the focus of the Friday session was on all credits due to God, who is unlike other idols. Grace based vs. work based religions. But if it is a study with the children, I may take another angle: How many servants are in this chapter? Starting from the little Israelite maid, to Gehazi.
v.1 ...because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria... Shifting from foreign gods to the monotheistic God, of whom all battles are under.
v.12 Abana and Pharpar of Damascus: These mountain rivers are in Aram and allegedly far clearer and fresher than Jordan river.
"may I not wash in them, and be clean?" Some Jewish writers understood this as "have I not washed in them every day? I have, and am I clean? I am not" ~ John Gill.